There are some memories of life that put smiles on your face when you remember them. Such was the occasion when I was scrolling through my Google photo gallery and stumbled upon a picture I took with my first son 8 years ago. This picture is not just a photograph but a memorial to the time and experience we had at the time and place where the picture was taken.
We had just moved to a new city on a missionary transfer to plant a church and do the work of evangelism. It was our first day in the city, and I was going out that day for envagilism casually when my son who was ten years old at the time asked if he could join me on that days outreach activity, and I gladly accepted his request because I knew it would be a good opportunity for him to know about the city and also witness his dad doing what we came to the city to do.
As we walked through the streets, I reasoned that it could be good to take a picture with him to capture the special moment and commemorate the beginning of our new chapter in a new city. So, I approached a photo studio along the street and asked the photographer to take a picture of us together. That was how the picture came about.
Looking at that picture now, it reminds me of how quickly time pass and how much has changed since then. My son is now 18 years old and in his first year in the university studying computer science and he has grown into a fine young man with his dreams and aspirations. The picture serves as not only a reminder of time but also of how much bonds we have built together over the years.
My son now
When I saw that picture I immediately sent it to my son asking if he still remember that day and we talked about it together over WhatsApp chats and agreed on a plan to recreate it in our present ages and states when he returns home for holidays. Memories like that are worth preserving and celebrated with the people we love. And for my son, who is now pursuing his dreams away from home, this memory serves as a bridge between his past and future, reminding him of where he's coming from and the foundation that has shaped who he is today.
I have a lot of more pictures like this that captured special moments with my kids and family that I am planning on recreating when we are all together again. My son is my right hand man and my gist partner. Though he's far away from home pursuing his studies, our bonds remain strong as ever. No day passes without my son saying hello Dad and asking how I am doing and I always look forward to his messages every day.
Many people do not know how important pictures are in preserving memories and the bond of connection between love ones and family members. When children grows up, they might forget about the bonds they shared with their parents when they were younger, but a picture can bring back all those cherished moment and remind them of the love and support that was always there for them.
So, I encourage every father to take time to capture those special moment with their kids in pictures for a memory that will last a lifetime and a testament to the love you have shared as a family.
